My Account

Purple Moonshadow Seeds

Dolichos lablab

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: The day before planting, pour 180 degrees F water over the seeds and soak them overnight. Direct sow 1" deep. To start the treated seeds indoors, start them about 6 weeks before the last frost of spring; plant two seeds per peat pot, keeping the soil consistently moist and at a temperature of 70 degrees F until germination. Transplant the seedlings after the last chance of frost.

Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established; mature plants tolerate drought, but also grow well with regular watering. Though this plant loves heat and humidity, it will not tolerate full shade or frost. Since it quickly develops vigorous vines, it requires support such as a trellis or fence. This vine attracts hummingbirds and bees.

Harvesting: These blossoms make lovely cut flowers; choose flowers that have just opened, cutting the stems long and placing them in water immediately. The entire plant is also edible, though the seeds contain poison and must be boiled very well to make them safe for eating.

Seed Saving: After flowering, this plant will produce bright purple 3" pods. Mature seeds are round and black with a white marking on the side. Remove the seeds from their pods and store them in a cool, dry place.

Review By DARBY

7 Sons plant blossoms & young beans are edible

I grew this last summer in Florida's heat. Spectacularly productive bean with beautiful blossoms. That attracts pollinators. It Asia it is known as the 7 sons plant, because they say it can feed a family with seven sons. The blossoms & young beans are edible. The young beans make a stunning substitution for snow peas. I grew them between rows of Burgundy Okra & Fortex beans. The Hyacinth beans were more resistant to pests & fungus that the Fortex beans. And in central Florida they survived the winter. If you allow the beans to mature, you must remove the beans from pods, blanch the beans, husk the beans, prior to cooking for consumption. It's worth the effort though because they are delicious.

DESCRIPTION

IN-STOCK ORDERS SHIP THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY VIA THE US POST OFFICE.

This lovely vine has been growing in the estate gardens of both Mount Vernon and Monticello for generations, as a historical treasure imported from Asia. In the days before air conditioning, vines like this were often grown on the sunny side of country houses to absorb some of the heat. Today many countries in tropical regions grow this legume for a food source, since the entire plant is edible with proper preparation. Its nitrogen fixing abilities also make it a good soil building cover crop.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: The day before planting, pour 180 degrees F water over the seeds and soak them overnight. Direct sow 1" deep. To start the treated seeds indoors, start them about 6 weeks before the last frost of spring; plant two seeds per peat pot, keeping the soil consistently moist and at a temperature of 70 degrees F until germination. Transplant the seedlings after the last chance of frost.

Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established; mature plants tolerate drought, but also grow well with regular watering. Though this plant loves heat and humidity, it will not tolerate full shade or frost. Since it quickly develops vigorous vines, it requires support such as a trellis or fence. This vine attracts hummingbirds and bees.

Harvesting: These blossoms make lovely cut flowers; choose flowers that have just opened, cutting the stems long and placing them in water immediately. The entire plant is also edible, though the seeds contain poison and must be boiled very well to make them safe for eating.

Seed Saving: After flowering, this plant will produce bright purple 3" pods. Mature seeds are round and black with a white marking on the side. Remove the seeds from their pods and store them in a cool, dry place.

Reviews

5.00

Global Rating:5.00 from 1 reviews

Purple Moonshadow Seeds5.0May 24, 2014

Review By DARBY

7 Sons plant blossoms & young beans are edible

I grew this last summer in Florida's heat. Spectacularly productive bean with beautiful blossoms. That attracts pollinators. It Asia it is known as the 7 sons plant, because they say it can feed a family with seven sons. The blossoms & young beans are edible. The young beans make a stunning substitution for snow peas. I grew them between rows of Burgundy Okra & Fortex beans. The Hyacinth beans were more resistant to pests & fungus that the Fortex beans. And in central Florida they survived the winter. If you allow the beans to mature, you must remove the beans from pods, blanch the beans, husk the beans, prior to cooking for consumption. It's worth the effort though because they are delicious.